We are a team of individuals who have created a Cats TNR program in our community. Erickson, Onanole and surrounding areas have had an overpopulation problem of community cats (also known as feral or outdoor). These cats have not been socialized with people and therefore are “unadoptable”. This is a problem that we as a community need to take responsibility for as it is due to irresponsible pet owners not spaying and neutering their domesticated animals. We are now faced with the consequences of these careless actions and the problem will not fix itself.
Animal control’s traditional approach has been to catch and kill these cats. While this may temporarily reduce the number of ferals in a given area, it is ultimately counterproductive, as the population of cats rebounds and has no permanent impact. Untrapped cats continue to breed, and others move into the newly available territory. This endless, cruel cycle is not supported by the public, wastes tax dollars, and fails to meet the needs of the cats and the community.
Communities are desperate for humane solutions. TNR is the only effective and humane approach to address overpopulation. It involves humanely trapping, spaying or neutering, vaccinating, and returning ferals to their outdoor homes. Afterward, there are no more litters of kittens and the population is stabilized. Not only is TNR the effective, humane approach for outdoor cats, but it improves their lives.
Stray Cats of Erickson has been working hard to find fosters, adopt specific cats to nearby farms (post spay/neuter), plan events/fundraisers and find volunteers, fosters and barn buddies to relocate ferals.
Our non-profit organization currently has over 20 cats in foster care, has helped numerous cats receive vet care and also find their furever homes.